Online support for people with autism

Croydon Council has launched dedicated web pages offering information and advice to residents with autism and their families, carers and professionals.

The new pages provide everything from advice for parents of children with autism and support group contact details to academic research and links to national charities.

Councillor Andrew Rendle, the council’s autism champion and deputy cabinet member for Families, Health and Social Care, said: “The idea is to create a one-stop shop for autism in Croydon. I want this website to bring together everyone who is touched by autism and at the same time raise awareness in the general population.

“The Facebook page is proving to be very popular as it lets everyone know about events, voluntary groups, and has videos from world-renowned experts. Also it is starting to create an online autism community where people share experiences, help and support. I hope people will use it and give it a like.

“I have seen a number of groups in Croydon, but feel there needs to be one place that people with ASD, their families and carers can go to get the support they need.”

Cllr Rendle has also restarted the autism stakeholder group which will bring together commissioners, councillors, specialist council officers in education and social care, charities, businesses, Jobcentre Plus and the NHS to find ways to make services better for people with autism.